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Patented June 4, 1889.

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Patented June 4, 1889..

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CONVERTIBLE CHAIR. No. 404,767. Patented June 4; 1889.

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A. BOTKIN. CONVERTIBLE CHAIR.

No. 404,767. Patented June-4,1889.

mme-i Irma-mw fw/MM@ UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

'ABRAM BOTKIN, OF VILMINGTON, DELAVARE, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-TENTHY TO CARPEL UDEIJEVITZ, OF VASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

CONVERTIBLE CHAIR.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 404,767, dated June 4, 1889.

Application iiled January ll, 1889. Serial No. 296,053. (No model.)

My invention relates to a convertible arti` cle of furniture; and it consists in certain novel features of construction and combination whereby an article is provided which may be converted into a bed, lounge, baby-carriage, cradle, rolling-chair, rocking-chair, chair, and reclining-chair, as desired, by simply altering the relative arrangements of parts.

I have illustrated a construction embodying the principle of my invention in the accompanying drawings, and said invention is fully disclosed in the following speciiication and claims.

In the drawings, Figure l is a plan View of the construction arranged as abed. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same, showing a different arrangement ofwparts in dotted lines. Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the construction, the parts being arranged to form a baby-carriage, diiferent arrangement of parts being indicated in dotted lines. Fig. et is a side view of the construction arranged as a chair. Fig. 5 is a rear view of the construction as a rocking-chair. Figs. 6, 7, and 8 are detail viewsof parts of the construction detached. Fig. 9 is a section of Fig. l on line X X. Fig. l0 is a plan view of the mattress or upholstering used with the construction.

The main body of the lconstruction consists of a skeleton frame-work formed in seotions and joined together by hinge-connections. This frame-work consists of the main sections A, B, C, and D, and the end sections and F, attached to sections A and D, re-

spec-tively.

The device may be constructed of strips of metal-i-such as brass, iron, or steel-of wood, or part metal and part wood, as found most advantageous or desirable, and each of the main sections is composed of side pieces d a b Z1 c c d d, connected by one or more transverse braces or slats a h c cl. The sections A and B are pivoted together by means of a rod a b, which passes through the adjacent ends of the side pieces a a b b, and extends transversely of the frame. A similar rod b c connects the sections B and C, and the rod c d connects sections C and D in a similar manner. These rods may be riveted at their ends, or they may be provided with nuts, as preferred.

It is obvious that short bolts or rods might be employed to pass through the side pieces on each side of the frame, if desired; but the transverse rods or bolts are preferred, as they' will also serve to strength en the construction. The adjacent ends of the side pieces a b are pivoted together, and one of said parts is ed# set to receive 'the other piece, and the opposite ends of side pieces b b are. curved inwardly, to engage the outer faces of side pieces c c. Section C is slightly narrower than B. Section D is slightly narrower than C, and section F is pivoted to section Dbetween the ends of the side pieces d cZ, so that sections C, D, and F gradually diminish in 'width from section B, and when folded one upon another, or upon section B, the uppermost section or sections will lie wholly within the sides of the lower section, as will be readily understood. Sections E and F are constructed in the same manner, and are intended to serve as head and foot pieces when the construction is arranged as a bed, as shown in Figs. l and 2. These sections may be constructed exactly like the other sections, if desired; but it is preferred to construct them, as shown in Figs. 2 and 5, with the curved rims e and f, pivotally attached to the adjacent section by rods a e and df, as before described, and it is also preferred to provide short supporting pieces or` slats c2 and` f2, extending longitudinally of the bed at intervals. These slats may be attached to the rims e and f and to the connecting rod or pivot d f or a e, or a separate transversey slat or-tbrace may be provided for the purpose. The sides of section E are provided with braces c c', pivotally attached IOO thereto, the free ends of which are provided with notches to engage one of the slats a of section A, and these bra-ces e e serve to hold the section E in a vertical position when' it is used as the head or foot piece of the bed, as shown in Figs. l and 2. The section Fis provided with similar braces f j, which engage 011e of the slats d. of section D and hold itin position when used as the head or foot piece of the bed.

The slats of sections A, l5, C, and D are provided with springs G of any desired kind to support the upholstering, and the sprin may be connected by means of wires, if desired. The section B is supported at each corner by legs b2, which are pivotally attached to the side pieces I) Z) by screws or bolts, or by rods passing transversely of the frame, as preierred. l have shown them connected by means of rods b2, and the legs D2 engage the inner edges of the slats D b, or notches in the same, which hold them in position to support the section B when the legs rest upon the loor. The lower extremities of the legs at each end of the section B are preferably connected by a rod D, and the legs may be folded up and will occupy a horizontal position beneath the section and be held in that position by a button g or equivalent device attached to the under side of a slat D when they are not in use, as shown in Fig. 7.

The frame of section B is also provided with two folding wheeled trucks-one at each side of the saine. These trucks are attached to rods H, which slide in guides provided for them on the under side of the slats b', and said rods are adapted to be partially drawn out with the trucks or shoved in to engage the said guides, as desired. A transverse rod or brace 7L is attached to the outer ends of each pair of said rods ll, and to the ends of said braces are hinged the L-shaped frames or standards l, as best shown in Fig. 9. The outer end oi' the horizontal portion of each of these L-shaped frames is provided with a wheel J, and said 'horizontal portion is also provided with a vertical arm, on the upper end of which is formed the clasp K. (Shown in detail, Fig. S.) This clasp is constructed of two parts, one of which 7a is preferably the vert-ical arm before referred to, which is provided on each side with suitable ears extending at right angles thereto. A plate 7c', provided with similar ears near its central portion, is pivoted to the part k by a screw or bolt passing through the ears of both plates, and the upper end of said plate is curved toward and comes in contact with part 7a. A spring 702 is interposed between the two parts in any desired manner and serves to keep the upper ends of plates k 7c in contact. The free end ot' plate 7a is bent outwardly, and a pressure upon the same will openv the clasp. l may, however, employ screi 7-clamps of similar construction and secure them rigidly in position. When the trucks are not in use, the L-shaped standards I may be 'folded so as to bring the wheels J into a horizontal position, as shown in Fig. 5, and the rods l-I will be shoved into their guides and the braces 7L brought into close proximity with the pivoting-rods I) c and a l). The wheels will then rest upon the rods which pass through the lower portions of legs b2 and be held in place until needed. The sections A and D are each provided near the outer end with a transverse rod a2 and cl3, respectively.

When it is desired to arrange the parts to form abed, the sliding rods ll of both trucks are drawn out until the braces h are in close prox imity tothe rods a2 and d2, and the L-shaped pieces turn upon their hinges into the position shown in Fig. 9. The upper portions ot' plates 7i: and 7n', which form the clasp K, are then made to en gage the rods CL2 and cl2 adjacent to the side pieces a a d d, and the upper portions of plates 7.: and t" are preferably cut away on one side, so that the side pieces of the frame will rest upon the shoulders 7a3 thus formed, which support the weight of the bed and occupant at these points, the weight of the central portion ot' the apparatus being supported by the legs b2.

lt will be seen by reference to Fig. 9 that the shoulders formed by putting away of the upper part of clasp K on one side are at such a distance from the top of the clasp that the curved portion otl plate 7a engages the transverse rod rmly, and the weight upon the shoulder will hold the parts rigidly in positien and maintain the wheels in a vertical position.

An arm L is pivoted to the side pieces l) l) on each side of the trame of section l5, and an arm L is pivoted to the side piece a on one side of the frame of section A, and also to the end of arm L, as best shown in Figs. 2 and G, and this construction forms one arm when the parts are. arranged to form a chair or sofa. The construction of the other arm is necessarily slightly different, as only one arm is employed when the parts are arranged to form a sofa or lounge. To this end the part corresponding to part L made in two parts L2 L2, hinged together, and the part L is hinged to an arm L, corresponding to the arm L before referred to. Vhen the parts are arranged to form the arm of a chair, the central portion of the part L2 L3 will be held in position by a brace or support M, which is pivoted to the side piece b and has its free end provided with a notch or recess to engage the parts L2 and L?) adjacent to their pivotal connection.

The side pieces b D are each provided adjacent to each end with pivoted arms N N, having pins n n near their lfree ends to engage slotted links j) p, which are attached to a rocker P, or the arms N may be slotted and links 1J p provided with pins, as desired. These rockers may be brought into use, as will be hereinafter described. The side pieces c c are also provided with curved arms Q Q, which are pivotally attached thereto, prefer- IOO TIO

ably to the ends of the pivoting-rod c d, the use of which will be hereinafter described.

Vhen the apparatus is designed to be used as a bed, the parts will be disposed, as seen in Figs. l and 2 in full lines. The weight of the apparatus will be supported by the legs b2 an d wheels J, and the sections E and F will form the head and foot pieces of the bed, as hereinbefore described.

If it is desired to arrange the parts so as to form a lounge or sofa, the clasps K are disengaged from the rod a2, the L- shaped portions folded to bring the wheels into a horizontal position, and the rods H shoved into their guides until the wheels engage the rod connecting the legs b2. The section A is then raised to a nearly-vertical position and maintained by means of a brace M, which is pivoted to the side piece a, and is provided near its free end with a recess to engage the rod b3, which supports the legs b2, and I may provide a number of such re cesses in orderthat theinclination of the scction A may be adjusted at will. A similar brace might be employed on the opposite side of the apparatus,'but it is not thought to be necessary. When the section A is raised, the arms L and L will form the ,arm or back of the lounge, while the arms L L2 L3 on the opposite side will be folded down out of the way. The section E will preferably be folded over backward out of the way when the parts are arranged to form a lounge, if desired, and the section F may be folded down and made to occupy the position shown in dotted lines, or it may be placed in the position which it occupies when the parts are arranged to form a bed, as preferred. The position of the remaining parts of the apparatus will be the same as has already been described for the bed, and the position of sections A and E and the truck are indicated in dotted lines, Fig. 2. Vhen in the position of a bed or lounge, the rockers P and arms Q will be placed so as to be-as little in the way as possible, and may be made to conform with the general shape of the apparatus.

In Fig. 4 the parts are shown arranged as a chair. In this position the forward truck is folded, the rods H shived into their guides, and the brace h brought into proximity to the rod b c in the manner already described with reference to the other truck, the section A and rear truck occupying the positions just described with reference to the lounge or sofa. The braces f will then be disengaged from the slat d and the section F folded upon rod d j' as a pivot, so as to lie upon section D and within the side pieces d, and sections C and D will then be folded over upon section B, as is clearly shown in Fig. et. The arm L L is placed in position, and the arms L' L2 L3 will also be raisedvand supported by the brace M, as before described.

The section E may be folded over upon section A, and will form a very convenient headrest, or it may be folded back out of the way,

may be provided with one or more retaining devices-such as hooks (Z2-to hold the parts C, D, and B in proper relation, and these hooks may be made to engage the rod a h, one of the slats b', or other portion of the frame, as desired.

If it is desired to convert the article into a rocking-chair, the parts are arranged as just described, and the rockers P are adjusted to the legs b2, as lshown in dotted lines, Fig. 3. For this purpose each rocker is provided with brackets p to receive the lower ends of the legs, and said brackets are each provided with a vertical projection extending a short distance above t-he same. The rocker is placed upon the floor, the chair raised slightly,'and the legs made to engage the brackets p", with the proj ect-ions extending upward, and engage the rods which connect the lower ends of the legs, thus preventing the accidental displacement of the rocker. Therockeron the other side of the chair Will be placed in position, and the chair is ready for use as a rockingchair. It is preferred that the projections from the brackets p of one rocker shall engage the rods, as before described, in front of the forward rod and in rear of the other, so as to prevent the legs from slipping out of the brackets p', as the weight of the chair will hold t-he legs from movement in the other direction.

If it is desired to arrange the parts to form a cradle, the hook or hooks (Z2 are disengaged from the roda b and the sections C, D, and F are raised to a vertical position, with the secdescribed. The section D is then folded down upon section C, bringing section F between them, and the retaining device or devices d2 are made to engage the rod b c, or other portion of the frame, as seen in full lines, Fig. 3. The'arms Q Q are then raised, and their free ends, which are provided with suitable recesses or notches, are made to engage the arms L and L of the chair-arms. The other portions of the frame will remain, as already described for a rocking-chair. The section E may, however, be raised and the arms e made to engage the slat a to form a canopy, if desired.

If it is desired to convert the larticle into a baby-carriage, the rockers P will be removed, the wheels J disengaged from the rods which hold them out of operative position, the L- shaped portions raised, andthe clasps K made to engage the rods a b and b c, as shown in full lines, Fig. 3. The rockers are provided at some convenient point with an inwardlyprojecting lug` or pin p2, and the side pieces a said pin. The rockers P are raisednntil the the side pieces b and the pins p2 restin notches p3, vwhen they may be used as handles to assist in rolling the baby-carriage, and a removaas shown in dotted lines, Fig. 2. The rod d f tion F still folded upon section D, as before are each provided with a notch p3 to receive front brackets of the same rest just beneath- IOC IIO

ble brace may connect the two rockers adjacent to their rear extremities to serve as a push-bar, if desired. Thelegs h2 are folded up and held in a horizontal position by the button g, as before described. The position of the remaining parts is the same as has just been described for the cradle, and the construction is lshown arranged as a babycarriage in full lines, Fig. 3. The rim e of section E may be provided with a suitable clamp for holding a parasol of any preferred construction, if it is found desirable.

When used as a rolling-chair, the sections C, D, and F are folded upon section B, and secured as shown in dotted lines, Fig. 3, and described with reference to the chair construction. In this arrangement the rockers P I will preferably be arranged as shown and described for the baby-carriage, and will serve as handles in moving the rolling-chair.

When the apparatus is designed for use as a reclining-chair, the sections C, D, and F will occupy the positions shown in dotted lines, Fig. 4, section D being upon the floor and section C occupying an inclined position to support the limbs of the occupant. Section F may be folded down upon section D to form a foot-rest, or be arranged in any other desired position of which it is capable, and the sections C, D, and F may be placed in this position when the apparatus is arranged as a chair, rocking-chair, or rolling-chair, as found most convenient or desirable.

In Fig. l0 I have illustrated a form of mattress or upholstering which is found convenient for use with the apparatus before described, and is so constructed as to conform to the shape of the apparatus in all positions. This mattress is made of any suitable material, and consists of sections A B C D arrangedlongitudinally and correspondingsubstantially in size and form with the sections A, B, (l, and D of the frame. The section B is provided on each side with narrower sections B2 B3, of the same length as section B. When the parts are arranged as a bed, the sections of the mattress A -3 C D occupy positions upon the respective sections of the frame, the portions B2 B3 being folded beneath section B, or allowed to hang down at the sides, as desired. When arranged as a lounge or sofa, the positions of parts A B C D will be the same as just described. The part B will be supported in a vertical position by the arm L L and the part Bi3 folded beneath the part B', or allowed to hang down. 1When arranged as a chair, rolling-chair, or rocking-chair, the part A will occupy a position upon section A of the frame, the parts C D will be folded beneath part B and rest upon section B, and will be supported in vertical position by the arms of the chair, as will be readily seen. XVhen the parts are arranged as a cradle or baby-carriage, the parts A B of the mattress will occupy positions on sections A and B of the frame, the part D will be folded upon the under side of part C', and the two parts will be supported in a vertical position by the sections D C of the frame, the parts B2 B3 forming the upholstering for the sides of the cradle or carriage and being supported by the arms L L Q and L L2 L3 Q, as will be seen in Fig. 3. lVhen the parts are arranged to forman invalid-chair, the parts A B B2 B8 of the mattress will occupy the positions already de scribed for the chair, and the parts C Dwill occupy positions on sections C and D of the frame. rlhe mattress is preferably made thin, as the springs G, before referred to, will render a thick mattress unnecessary, and the parts will preferably be joined in such amanner as to render them capable of being folded easily upon each other when desired.

It is obvious that any form of mattress or upholstering which will conform to the required conditions may be employed with the construction of frame herein described.

That I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

l. In an article of furniture, the combina tion, with a main body composed of a series of four sections joined together byhinge-conn ections, of supports for one of the intermediate sections, and folding wheeled snpports attached to said section and adapted to be drawn out and made to engage and support the end sections, substantially as described.

2. In an article of furniture, the combination, with a section corresponding to a chairseat, a section corresponding to the back of a chair, and supports for said seat-section, of a section or sections pivoted to said seat-section and adapted to fold upon the same, arms attached to said seat and back sections, and braces for supporting said suppleniental section or sections in a vertical position engaging said arms and forming a continuation of the same, substantially as described.

3. In an article of furniture, the combination, with a section answering to the seat of a chair, a section answering to t-he back of a chair, and a supplemental section or sections pivoted to said seat-section and adapted to fold upon the same, of folding supports for said seat-section,l folding wheeled supports adapted to be unfolded and made to support said section,and a brace for maintaining said supplemental section or sections in an upright position when desired, substantially as described.

4. In an article of furniture, the combination, with a section corresponding to the scat of a chair, a section corresponding to the back of a chair, supports for said seatsection, and rockers connected to said seat-section and adapted to engage said supports, of a supplemental section or sections pivoted to said seat-section and adapted to fold upon the same, arms for said seat-section, and braces pivoted to said supplemental section or sections engaging said arms and forming con* IOO ITO

tinuations of the samefor supporting' said supplemental section or sections in a vertical position, substantially as described.

5. In an article of furniture, the combination, with a section answering to the seat of a chair, a section corresponding to the back of a chair, and a supplemental section or sections adapted to fold upon said seat-section and pivoted to the same, of supports for said.

seat-section, slides connected to said seat-section, and a folding support connected to said slides and adapted to be drawn out and made to support said supplemental section or sections, substantially as described. y.

6. An article of furniture consisting of a section answering' to the seat of a chair,'a section an swering to the back of a chair, supports for said seat-section, and rockers each connected to said seat-section at two points bya slotted-link construction and adapt-ed to receive the supports for the seat-section, substantially as described.

7. An article of furniture having` a section corresponding to the seat of a chair and a section corresponding to the back of a chair, folding supports for said seat-section, and hinged standards connected to said seat-section and adapted to fold transversely thereof and provided with Wheels, whereby said standards may be folded and the chair supported by the folding supports, orsaid standards and wheels may be unfolded and made to support the seat-section, substantially as described.

8. An article of furniture comprising` four sections joined by hinge-connections, supports for one of the intermediate sections,

on said slides, whereby said Wheels can be extended, unfolded, and made to engage and support the outer sections, substantially as described.

9. In an article of furniture, the combination, with a section corresponding to the seat of a chair anda section corresponding to the lback of a chair and pivoted to said seat-section, of a folding arm for said seat-section comprising a horizontal portion pivoted to the back-section and a vertical portion pivoted to the seat-section and to the horizontal portion, said horizontal portion consisting` of two parts pivotally connected,y and a brace pivoted to said seat-section and engaging the horizontal portion of said arm, substantially as described.

l0. In an article of furniture, the combination, with the main body, which consists of four sections joined by hin gra-connections and adapted to fold, as described, of the upholstering for said main body formed in sections and adapted to fold in a manner similar to that of the body-sections, one of the intermediate sections being provided with a supplemental portion on one or both sides of the same, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

ABRAM BOTKIN.

Witnesses:

L. P. WHITAKER, G. A. TAUBERscHMIDT. 

